Few brands carry the prestige of Redken and Kérastase when it comes to luxury hair care. Both are trusted by professionals worldwide and loved by consumers for their high-quality products designed to address various hair needs. If you've been wondering which brand is the right choice for achieving your hair goals, you've come to the right place.
This article takes an in-depth look at these two hair care powerhouses, analyzing their offerings, ingredients, pricing, and expert opinions to help you make the best decision for your unique hair type and concerns.
Understanding the Brands
Redken
Founded in the 1960s, Redken emerged as a science-driven brand focused on hair health. The idea was simple yet revolutionary at the time—fuse robust scientific research with salon-quality products that could actually strengthen hair.
Today, Redken offers a wide range of products, from shampoos and conditioners to treatments and styling solutions. These cater to hair concerns such as frizz, thinning, color protection, and more. Their standout collections, like "Extreme" for damage repair and "Color Extend Magnetics" for color-treated hair, have made Redken a staple in both salons and bathroom cabinets worldwide.
Kérastase
Kérastase, born in 1964 under the umbrella of L'Oréal, is synonymous with luxury and indulgence. Known for its high-performance formulas, the brand aims to deliver salon-level results through at-home hair care routines.
Kérastase sets itself apart with its customization-oriented philosophy—pairing shampoos ("bains") with highly concentrated conditioners and intensive treatments. Moreover, Kérastase creates personalized regimens for every hair type, texture, and condition with collections like "Resistance" for brittle hair, "Nutritive" for hydration, and "Blond Absolu" for lightened locks.
Key Differences Between Redken and Kérastase
While both brands boast high-quality products that deliver impressive results, there are a few key differences that may influence your decision.
1. Ingredients
Redken focuses on protein-rich formulas designed to strengthen and repair hair. Many of its products, including the iconic All Soft shampoos, feature protein complexes like hydrolyzed soy and amino acids to restore damaged hair and leave it soft, shiny, and healthy.
Known for its variety of high-performing hair care, Redken delivers award-winning solutions tailored to different hair needs while being sulfate-free and offering excellent color protection.
Nyla Rose, a beauty and fashion consultant at Stylorize, explains, "Redken’s protein-rich formulas are excellent for those with damaged or chemically treated hair. The hydrolyzed proteins help rebuild strength from within, making it a go-to for those dealing with breakage or weak strands."
Kérastase, on the other hand, is synonymous with luxury haircare, blending natural ingredients like manuka honey and ginger root extracts with innovative science. Its formulas incorporate exotic oils like camellia and argan, along with advanced ingredients such as hyaluronic acid for hydration and ceramides to restore elasticity.
While Kérastase shampoos are sulfate-free and free of harsh chemicals, they do not offer vegan or cruelty-free products. Additionally, they tend to be more expensive compared to other high-quality brands.
2. Target Audience
Redken caters to a wide demographic, offering solutions for all hair types and concerns at an affordable price point. Its products are ideal for those looking to improve the health of their hair, repair damage, or maintain color-treated locks.
Kérastase, on the other hand, targets a more upscale market with its premium positioning and higher price point. The brand is popular among those seeking luxury haircare and personalized regimens tailored to their specific needs.

3. Benefits
Redken provides a versatile selection of shampoos and conditioners tailored to different hair types. For instance, their All Soft line, enriched with argan oil and hydrating ingredients, is perfect for repairing damaged hair. Alternatively, the Resistance collection features pro-keratin and resurrection plant sap extract for intensive care. Lastly, Redken’s products are also available online and at high-end salons, making them accessible to those seeking professional-quality hair care.
Conversely, Kerastase offers a comprehensive range of hair care products designed to meet each individual’s unique needs. Formulated with natural, nourishing ingredients, their products are renowned for their anti-aging, softening, strengthening, and anti-frizz properties. Available at luxury salons and online platforms, Kerastase has earned widespread acclaim from celebrities and beauty influencers, with many of its products featured in leading beauty publications.
3. Price Point
Kérastase, known for its luxurious hair care offerings, tends to have a higher price point than Redken. Shampoos from Kérastase typically start around $35, while treatments can exceed $60. The elevated price reflects not only the product itself but also the premium ingredients and elevated experience Kérastase offers.
On the other hand, Redken is more budget-friendly, with most of its products retailing between $20 and $30. This makes Redken an excellent choice for those seeking high-quality hair care at a more affordable price point.
4. Packaging and Branding
Redken's packaging is iconic, with its distinctive red and silver tones being instantly recognizable. The brand also has a playful yet professional vibe, appealing to a wide range of consumers.
Kérastase takes a more upscale approach with sleek, sophisticated packaging that evokes luxury and elegance. Their branding targets a more discerning audience seeking premium haircare products.
Both brands have strong visual identities that resonate with their target audiences while conveying the quality and effectiveness of their products.
Product Comparison
For Damage Repair:
Redken Extreme Shampoo and Conditioner
Designed to strengthen damaged, brittle hair, these products use Redken’s signature protein complex to reduce breakage by up to 75%.
Kérastase Resistance Bain Extentioniste Shampoo and Masque
Kérastase’s option for damage repair boosts length retention while protecting against split ends with ceramides and amino acids.
Verdict: Redken offers powerful damage repair at a lower price, whereas Kérastase delivers a more indulgent experience with a higher investment.
For Hydration
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Redken All Soft Argan Oil Collection
Enriched with argan oil, Redken’s All Soft range is perfect for transforming dry, brittle hair into a waterfall of moisture and shine.
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Kérastase Nutritive Bain Satin 2 and Masquintense
This deeply nourishing duo hydrates and smooths hair fibers, targeting dryness with the Irisome Complex that remains iconic to this day.
Verdict: If softness on a budget is your priority, Redken wins. But for deeply pampering hydration, Kérastase Nutritive reigns supreme.
For Color Protection
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Redken Color Extend Magnetics
Specifically designed for color-treated hair, this sulfate-free formula preserves vibrancy while repairing any damage caused by chemicals.
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Kérastase Reflection Bain Chromatique Riche
With UV filters, linseed oil, and an anti-fade complex, Kérastase offers premium-level color enhancement and protection.
Verdict: Redken gives durable protection at an affordable cost, while Kérastase goes the extra mile with additional high-end benefits.
Making the Right Choice
Choosing between Redken and Kerastase ultimately comes down to your hair's needs and personal preferences.
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Choose Redken if you want salon-quality products with a focus on strength and value. It’s especially great for day-to-day care and general hair maintenance.
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Opt for Kérastase if you’re looking for a luxurious, tailored hair care regime that feels indulgent and delivers results for specific concerns.
Consider your budget, hair goals, and whether you prefer a straightforward or luxurious hair care experience. Either way, both brands are backed by decades of innovation and expertise, so you can’t go wrong.

FAQs
Which brand is better for fine hair, Redken or Kérastase?
Both Redken and Kérastase offer products suitable for fine hair. Redken's lightweight formulas and volumizing options are particularly beneficial for adding body and lift to fine hair. Kérastase also offers solutions specifically designed for fine hair, providing nourishment and enhancing the overall appearance of thin strands.
Which brand is recommended for long hair, Redken or Kérastase?
Both Redken and Kérastase offer products suitable for long hair. Redken's extensive range includes products for long hair care, such as conditioners that provide nourishment and strength to maintain healthy, beautiful locks. Kérastase offers a selection of products specifically formulated for long hair, focusing on providing moisture, smoothness, and protection against damage.
Which brand is recommended for frizzy hair?
Redken and Kérastase both provide effective solutions for managing frizzy hair. Redken’s anti-frizz range focuses on taming and controlling frizz, enhancing smoothness, and improving manageability. Meanwhile, Kérastase offers products specifically designed to eliminate frizz, create a sleek finish, and boost hair’s natural shine.
Which brand is recommended for straight hair?
Both Redken and Kérastase offer products suitable for straight hair. Redken provides options to enhance and maintain straight hair, offering smoothing and anti-frizz products that promote sleekness and shine. Kérastase also offers products specifically formulated to enhance straight hair, providing manageability, smoothness, and protection against external aggressors.
Which brand offers a variety of styling products?
Both Redken and Kérastase offer a wide array of styling products to cater to different styling needs and preferences. Redken provides options such as mousses, gels, and creams for versatile styling, while Kérastase offers styling products that target specific concerns, such as heat protection, shine enhancement, and frizz control.
Can I use Redken and Kérastase products for daily washing and blow drying?
Yes, both Redken and Kérastase offer products suitable for daily washing and blow drying. Redken offers a range of shampoos and conditioners that cater to different hair types and concerns, providing optimal daily care.
Are Redken and Kérastase products suitable for all hair types and users?
Yes, both Redken and Kérastase offer a wide range of products that cater to various hair types and user preferences. From fine to thick, straight to curly, and everything in between, there are products available to address specific concerns and meet the diverse needs of users.
Conclusion
In summary, Redken and Kérastase are both highly reputable brands that offer quality hair care solutions for different needs and preferences. While Redken is more affordable and accessible, Kérastase provides a more luxurious and personalized experience at a higher price point.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on your specific hair concerns and desired level of pampering. Whichever brand you choose, you can trust in their commitment to excellence and delivering beautiful, healthy hair. Ready to treat yourself to salon-quality hair care? Shop now at Image Beauty and feel the difference!